Alex Smith will be the Chiefs’ QB in 2017, but he knows the pressure is on

[kcchief4lif 910]

More than anybody, Alex Smith knew what was at stake this postseason, and how the Chiefs’ performance would shape the perception of his ceiling as a quarterback.

So when Smith posted his fourth-lowest passer rating of the season in the Chiefs’ 18-16 divisional-round home loss to Pittsburgh — and his coach, Andy Reid didn’t offer a strong, immediate vote of confidence the day after the game — the 32-year old wasn’t surprised when chatter started increasing about finding a replacement.

“Do you hear it a little bit? Without a doubt,” Smith said at the Pro Bowl this week. “The nice thing is I don’t have social media, so that helps.”

But here’s what most didn’t know: Shortly after the season came to an end, Reid conducted his customary exit interview with Smith, and the impression Smith got in that conversation is that he would be Reid’s quarterback again in 2017.

And after Smith was added to the Pro Bowl roster as a replacement, he and Reid — who is coaching the AFC squad along with the rest of the Chiefs’ coaching staff — had multiple discussions about 2017, and where they both need to improve.

“We’ve talked a lot, and for sure, the talk was just the sense of urgency — (him saying) ‘let’s go get it, you and me,’ ” Smith said. “For both of us, I think you realize the opportunities are less and less. You can’t take them all for granted. We all felt like we had an awesome opportunity and we didn’t get it done. So even more so, let’s press on the gas and let’s go.”

And if you needed any further proof Smith will be the Chiefs’ signal-caller in 2017, Reid told reinforced that message to The Star over the weekend.

“Alex is our quarterback — there’s no question about that or anything else,” Reid said. “I surely didn’t want to insinuate that (was not the case) at all.”

Reid said Smith — who completed 67.1 percent of his passes with 20 total touchdowns and eight interceptions — did “a good job” this year, and that he expects him to continue to make small improvements in his game next year.

“The work’s never done — he’ll continue to improve,” Reid said. “There won’t be the huge jumps, but there will be little things he’ll continue to get better at.

“But he’s pretty good right now, though.”

One of the areas in which Smith wants to continue to improve is in throwing receivers open. That’s what the best — such as Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers — do, and it lifts the play of their teammates, because they can fit balls into tight spaces and increase their team’s margin for error.

“You have to, I think,” Smith said. “You’re not going to complete a lot of balls if you’re just waiting all the time.”

Smith did have some missed shots he wanted to have back in the Steelers loss. One, in particular, stood out, when Tyreek Hill broke open down the left sideline and Smith failed to see him, though it turns out there was a good reason for that.

“I knew all week the way (the Steelers) play, they’d lose guys here and there,” Smith said. “And the hard part, as a quarterback, is when a guy that’s not in your progression blows open because you’re not looking. Sometimes you fall into those and sometimes you miss them and you’re like ‘God if I would have just seen Tyreek over there.’ ”

Smith also regrets the first-half interception he threw when he got hit by a free blitzer. Had he had a split-second longer, it could have gone for a huge gain to Chris Conley, who broke open after the defensive back fell down.

“It’s such a big swing there — you hit that, it’s a huge dagger,” Smith said. “I knew exactly what that safety was doing. He bit up on (tight end Travis) Kelce, we had Chris on the outside and I was taking a shot. I felt good about that all week.”

The play was actually a good example of the way some of Smith’s downfield chances are schemed by Reid, often due to play calls that create advantageous matchups.

Still, Reid thinks his quarterback has actually gotten better when it comes to throwing people open in his four years in Kansas City.

“I think that’s one area where he’s gotten better at,” Reid said. “Remember, the emphasis we put on the pass game might be a little bit more than where he came from; the run stuff and the things he did at the line of scrimmage with the 49ers is something they really put a concentrated effort on.

“So it’s a challenge to him in other areas, and I keep seeing improvements. You see throws like that where you kind of go ‘Whoa, was that a good one.’ The more he does, the better he gets at it.’”

Lost in Smith’s roller-coaster ride of a season was the fact the Chiefs went deep a bit more this year, and were also much better in four-minute and come-from-behind situations — areas in which they struggled in Smith’s first three years.

Comeback wins over San Diego and Denver registered as near-unprecedented high-water marks for Smith, who completed some clutch throws in both games. He also guided the Chiefs down the field on a late touchdown march against Pittsburgh, only to have the ensuing, game-tying two-point conversion — a completion to tight end Demetrius Harris — get wiped out due to a hold.

“That was something we hadn’t done in the past — we did play better in clutch situations,” Smith said. “Down the line, end of games, we played better in those big moments and it showed up with our record. I think we need to continue to build on that and be more prolific a little bit all over.”

The Chiefs’ were far more explosive in 2016 — the big-play ability of Pro Bowl rookie Tyreek Hill had a lot to do with that — but they were more inconsistent, too, which led to frustrating inefficiency in losses to Tampa Bay, Tennessee and Pittsburgh.

But Smith’s season, while ultimately unfulfilling, certainly wasn’t bad. The Chiefs went 12-4 and the won the AFC West for the first time since 2010.

Smith also started Sunday’s game, adding to an already-meaningful experience of making the second Pro Bowl of his 12-year career.

“It does (matter), because for a long time, you’re on the outside looking in, right?” Smith said. “You grow from things like this, too. They can be positive things, positive experiences.”

And now that Smith knows he’ll be the guy in 2017, he’ll be taking in as many of those as possible, even against the backdrop of the team potentially taking a quarterback early in the draft — something he wouldn’t take personally, by the way.

“If I were running a team, of course you would continue to bring in young talent — are you kidding me, the quarterback touches the ball every single play,” Smith said. “It’s hard to develop guys, it’s hard to find guys. Every year, you want to be taking a shot — that’s just smart football.”

But no matter what the Chiefs do in the draft, Smith will feel the responsibility of taking the Chiefs to the Super Bowl, and he knows what people will say if they again fall short.

“My trajectory and where I’m going really has nothing to do with whoever they bring in, because I’ve got to handle my business and take care of my business,” Smith said. “I’m gonna determine my own deal, right, and just kind of take that on, and that’s what it is, anywhere — if you don’t get it done, they’re gonna find somebody else.”

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article129534259.html#storylink=cpy

 

[oldtimer 8,686]

2017 realistically could be Reid & Smith's Swan song. I know Reid is not even 60 yet but man he sure looks/sounds old

[kcchief4lif 910]

Unless Andy leaves on his own I see him as more of a permanent fixture.   

[oldtimer 8,686]

Unless Andy leaves on his own I see him as more of a permanent fixture.   

 

 I think he'll leave of his own accord or 4-12 season

[azchief21 5,278]

One & done again.

[KC Warpaint 3,235]

soooo, he just now realizes that the pressure is on him to perform

[eraser 722]

They gave Fisher an extension. I guess he figured how to play under pressure. Fall down, or hold.

 

The Chiefs may draft a QB, but they are not going to play anyone, except for Alex Smith now. He has two more years on his contract. They could cut him. However, Foles is not the answer, and the Chiefs will save more by cutting Foles. I don't know what is going on with Bray, but it would be unusual to see him introduced as the starter in lieu of Smith this season. I think Bray is an Andy Reid project, but he has to play to show he can perform on the big stage, and thus far they have kept him under wraps.

 

Smith has two years remaining on his contract. The Chiefs have a $16.9 M cap hit on him in 2017. That seems like a lot, but the cap hit on him in 2016 was $17.8 M. The challenge for Smith is to secure another contract, and really this is the year to get that done. The Chiefs will have a $20.6 M cap hit if Smith plays under this current contract in 2018. There is only $3.6 M dead cap in 2018, so they could release him before the season, and potentially save $17 M towards their cap. So, I do see why Paylor says this is a high pressure season.

 

Smith will turn 34 before the start of the 2018 season. Will he want to get one more contract? He might, and it seems he is healthy. However, it would not be a surprise if he decides to hang it up. He has a master's degree in economics, and some suppose he has other interests. For a guy such as Alex Smith, his second career could get even more interesting. As for Smith, he ain't saying.

[azchief21 5,278]

They gave Fisher an extension. I guess he figured how to play under pressure. Fall down, or hold.

 

The Chiefs may draft a QB, but they are not going to play anyone, except for Alex Smith now. He has two more years on his contract. They could cut him. However, Foles is not the answer, and the Chiefs will save more by cutting Foles. I don't know what is going on with Bray, but it would be unusual to see him introduced as the starter in lieu of Smith this season. I think Bray is an Andy Reid project, but he has to play to show he can perform on the big stage, and thus far they have kept him under wraps.

 

Smith has two years remaining on his contract. The Chiefs have a $16.9 M cap hit on him in 2017. That seems like a lot, but the cap hit on him in 2016 was $17.8 M. The challenge for Smith is to secure another contract, and really this is the year to get that done. The Chiefs will have a $20.6 M cap hit if Smith plays under this current contract in 2018. There is only $3.6 M dead cap in 2018, so they could release him before the season, and potentially save $17 M towards their cap. So, I do see why Paylor says this is a high pressure season.

 

Smith will turn 34 before the start of the 2018 season. Will he want to get one more contract? He might, and it seems he is healthy. However, it would not be a surprise if he decides to hang it up. He has a master's degree in economics, and some suppose he has other interests. For a guy such as Alex Smith, his second career could get even more interesting. As for Smith, he ain't saying.

Good info, E. We get to endure another year of mediocrity at the QB position because of money. I think it's fitting he has a master's in economics. He has made boatloads of money being the "well he's better than the other QBs that were dumped from their previous team" I give him a lot of credit for this. Just as some teams get "lucky" to land an elite QB, some QBs get lucky because teams don't get an elite QB.

[Gil 243]

I would take Watson in the draft if he falls to us, cut Alex and Foles and let the QB battle begin.

 

As much as it pains me to say, let Berry and Poe walk and become a real player in FA and get the run D shored up. Draft ILB/DT or S to fill the gap.

 

Time to move on.

[West 6,714]

Hey Gil,

 

I like Watson and it would be worth going up to get him.  While he is not a "for sure" franchise QB, he is athletic and a winner....  He could be the next Prescott.

 

I keep Berry if possible, he is a Pro Bowl safety and he is still getting better.  Of course, he needs to be resigned with a fair contract for both sides.

 

Smith or Foles need to be re-negotiated to a contract that makes sense.  Three years with a club option for the 4th year. ( But I do not do this until AFTER the Draft...I need to know what we end up with)

 

I think with Howard, Bailey & Chris Jones...we have the beef on the inside.  We must get a really solid ILB to take over for DJ.

 

Chiefs ended up 12-4 but could have easily been 10-6.

 

Raiders are ascending, although they are going to have to make some tough decisions this off-season.  Carr has the Most Expensive O-Line in the NFL Protecting him...

 

 

 

w

[PhataLerror 370]

Just as some teams get "lucky" to land an elite QB, some QBs get lucky because teams don't get an elite QB.I 

Out of the 559 quarterbacks to start at least one game during the Super Bowl era, Smith ranks 53rd in career starts. The 52 ahead of him earned their starts. The 505 behind him are unlucky. Jake Plummer started the same number of games as Smith. Plummer earned his starts. Smith is just lucky.

 

#narrative

[West 6,714]

Smith is a B+ level QB.  He should accept a B+ level contract.

 

He is not Tom Brady or Aaron Rogers...People need to get over the idea that the Chiefs should just "find and sign a Franchise -HOF- QB.  It hasn't happened in 50 years.  Of course,, that does not mean you stop drafting QB's.  It may mean you figure out how Dallas got the Prescott pick so right.

 

w

[oldtimer 8,686]

Smith is a B+ level QB.  He should accept a B+ level contract.

 

He is not Tom Brady or Aaron Rogers...People need to get over the idea that the Chiefs should just "find and sign a Franchise -HOF- QB.  It hasn't happened in 50 years.  Of course,, that does not mean you stop drafting QB's.  It may mean you figure out how Dallas got the Prescott pick so right.

 

w

 

 

 my gut says C+. regardless he's not good enough to get us where we need to go and we need to find that QB is good enough. Grading is silly.. he's no Natty Ice either or young Manning or Drew Breese or Blah blah blah.

 

 If given a pick I would take Trent Green over Smith.

[azchief21 5,278]

Out of the 559 quarterbacks to start at least one game during the Super Bowl era, Smith ranks 53rd in career starts. The 52 ahead of him earned their starts. The 505 behind him are unlucky. Jake Plummer started the same number of games as Smith. Plummer earned his starts. Smith is just lucky.

 

#narrative

*Yawn*

[PhataLerror 370]

Smith is a B+ level QB.  He should accept a B+ level contract.

 

He is not Tom Brady or Aaron Rogers...People need to get over the idea that the Chiefs should just "find and sign a Franchise -HOF- QB.  It hasn't happened in 50 years.  Of course,, that does not mean you stop drafting QB's.  It may mean you figure out how Dallas got the Prescott pick so right.

 

w

Dak Prescott may prove to not be the answer for the Cowboys. He has experienced very little adversity in the comfy confines of the pass-protection pockets maintained by the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line. Let's see how he does if Ezekiel Elliot isn't able to play, or if he loses offensive linemen early in the season the way Alex Smith did this year.

[PhataLerror 370]

*Yawn*

I don't post for your sake. Go back to bed.

[azchief21 5,278]

I don't post for your sake. Go back to bed.

*Yawn*

[DieHard 2,061]

I like Prescott. But he does have the best line in football and probably the second best RB. I remember RG3 looking like a future HOFer his first year. We shall see. I hope he is a stud because I like the guy.

[DefensiveMan 758]

I like Prescott. But he does have the best line in football and probably the second best RB. I remember RG3 looking like a future HOFer his first year. We shall see. I hope he is a stud because I like the guy.

 

So did Krackerjack when he had at LT - Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jon Goodwin, RG Alex Boone, and RT Anthony Davis... that was an amazing O-line.

[xen 1,010,220]

Lots of guys look good for a limited time then fade as d coordinators get film on them. Remember the Scott Mitchell contract.

[KCSLC2008 606]

So did Krackerjack when he had at LT - Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jon Goodwin, RG Alex Boone, and RT Anthony Davis... that was an amazing O-line.

That was a great line for blocking but not for pass protection. It was a good thing for Kaepernick that he was a runner. It was a good thing for Smith because he knew when to check into a run play. And whatever little the offense passing game did, was helped by having a good running team.

[DefensiveMan 758]

That was a great line for blocking but not for pass protection. It was a good thing for Kaepernick that he was a runner. It was a good thing for Smith because he knew when to check into a run play. And whatever little the offense passing game did, was helped by having a good running team.

 

That running game was so good it opened up the playaction. Two great TEs for Smith to work with. I think Smith can be THAT much better with a consistent running game. I'd like to believe it will be Charles...do not know. I think Ehinger coming back at LG will make Fisher better and the rest of the running game.

[liquidfriend 1,151]

The Chiefs have to actually put the pressure on him. I'm hesitant to say that they will add enough competition at the QB spot.

[KCSLC2008 606]

That running game was so good it opened up the playaction. Two great TEs for Smith to work with. I think Smith can be THAT much better with a consistent running game. I'd like to believe it will be Charles...do not know. I think Ehinger coming back at LG will make Fisher better and the rest of the running game.

If Smith ran as it as he did in 2015 with the Niners in 2011, I think they would've gone to the Super Bowl (heck, they only need the punt returner to hold onto the ball or get out of the way). He ran some there, notably the game before, but the game might not of come down to the punt fumbles if he had run more.

[kcxiv 35]

Alex Smith out of all the play off teams qb's and future play off teams QB's, probably has the least amount of pressure on him. NO one expects him to do much. They all expect alex to dink and dunk and not fuck the game up. He's made alot of money, he's heading into his mid 30's.  Alex has it fucking made.   I dont see where the pressure is on a large scale.